Dart board apparatus with independently supported double bull segment

ABSTRACT

A dart board apparatus including a housing having a spider located therein. The spider is generally circular in shape and has a series of circumferentially and radially extending ribs which define a plurality of target segment openings, and a circumferential center rib which defines a center opening. A plurality of target segments are slidably disposed in the target segment openings. An annular outer bull segment, having a target surface with a center opening, and a generally tubular sidewall with at least two slots therethrough, is also provided. The outer bull is slidably disposed for movement within the center opening in the circumferential center rib. An inner bull segment is slidably disposed within the center opening in the outer bull segment. The inner bull segment includes at least two spokes, in an aligned position with the slots in the outer bull segment sidewall. Each spoke includes a first end connected to the inner bull, and a second end in slidable contact with the circumferential center rib so that the inner bull segment may slide independently of movement of the outer bull segment. At least one sensor is associated with each target segment, the outer bull segment and the inner bull segment.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to electronically scored dart games, andmore particularly, to a dart board apparatus for an electronicallyscored dart game in which the inner bull segment is supportedindependently from the outer bull segment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The dart board, often referred to as the "clock", is usually about 18"in diameter and has a playing area of about 13". The dart board has adouble outer ring, a treble-value inner ring, and generally, two centerbull rings (outer and inner), and 20 adjacent numbered scoring areas. Ina standard dart games, the players throw darts at the circular targetaiming for the different scoring areas. However, due to the dangerassociated with sharp, metal-pointed darts, electronically scored dartgames using "soft-tip" darts were developed.

Electronically scored dart games are generally well-known in the art andare commercially available from a variety of sources, including MeritIndustries, Inc., the assignee of the present invention. Such dart gamesgenerally comprise a cabinet or housing with a decorative front surfacewhich includes a specialized dart board adapted to receive, capture, andhold one or more darts having a tip made of a flexible plastic with arelatively blunt point. Soft-tip darts of this type closely resembleconventional metal-tip darts in appearance, flight characteristics andtarget-striking characteristics, but are much safer in that they areincapable of piercing a person's skin or causing damage to walls orother surroundings adjacent to the dart board.

Generally, an electronically scored dart board comprises a circulartarget divided into different scoring areas, with each scoring areaincluding a target segment. The target segments, which are usuallyformed of a plastic material, are arranged in an array or pattern whichgenerally corresponds to scoring areas of a traditional dart board. Eachtarget segment has a target surface, which includes a plurality ofgenerally circular openings sized for receiving and holding a tip of aplastic-tipped dart. The target segments are each independently slidablysupported within a surrounding support structure, commonly referred toas a spider, having a plurality of circumferential and radiallyextending ribs which define target segment openings.

Generally, a single bulls-eye segment or a split bulls-eye, comprised ofan outer bull segment and an inner bull segment, is located at thecenter of the board. A single bulls-eye segment is similar to the othertarget segments in that it is slidably supported in an opening in thespider. In the case of a split bulls-eye, the outer bulls-eye segment isslidably disposed in the circumferential center rib opening in thespider, similar to a single bulls-eye segment. The inner bull segment isgenerally slidably disposed in a center opening in the outer bullsegment and is supported solely by the outer bull segment. When the tipof a dart is received within a target segment or a bull segment, theforce of the dart striking the target or bull segment results in thetarget or bull segment moving rearwardly in its opening with respect tothe support structure.

Each target segment, including the outer and inner bull segments, havecorresponding electrical contacts combined into a switch matrix mountedon a surface behind the target segments. The electrical contactsgenerate an electrical signal to indicate a score when a target plateslides rearwardly after receiving a dart. Electronics associated withthe game sense each such score signal, calculate the score for eachplayer, and provide an indication of each player's score on a visualdisplay, such as plurality of lights, light-emitting diodes or a cathoderay tube.

Although the electronically scored dart games have been well received,skilled players are sometimes reluctant to use an electronic boardbecause of the possibility of the darts not sticking or of a misread.Dart games are games of great skill, and it is important that theelectronic game keep score as accurately as possible, with thepossibility of misscoring or misreads being virtually zero. However, inthe known electronic dart board apparatus, it is possible to have amisread when a dart strikes the outer bull segment or the inner bullsegment. Because the inner bull segment is generally solely supported bythe outer bull segment, it is possible that even though a dart strikesthe inner bull, both segments move inward and contact the correspondingelectrical contacts generating an electrical signal which indicates anouter bull strike. For skilled players, even one misread in 100 throwsis unacceptable.

The present invention overcomes the drawbacks associated with thegenerally-known inner bull segments which are supported by the outerbull segments for electronic dart board apparatuses by providing anindependent mounting system for the inner bull segment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, the present invention is a dart board apparatusincluding a housing having a spider located therein. The spider isgenerally circular in shape and has a series of circumferentially andradially extending ribs which define a plurality of target segmentopenings, and a circumferential center rib which defines a centeropening. A plurality of target segments are slidably disposed in thetarget segment openings. An annular outer bull segment, having a targetsurface with a center opening, and a generally tubular sidewall with atleast two slots therethrough, is also provided. The outer bull isslidably disposed for movement within the center opening in thecircumferential center rib. The dart board apparatus also includes aninner bull segment slidably disposed within the center opening in theouter bull segment. The inner bull segment includes at least two spokesin an aligned position with the slots in the outer bull segmentsidewall. Each spoke includes a first end connected to the inner bull,and a second end in slidable contact with the circumferential center ribso that the inner bull segment may slide independently of movement ofthe outer bull segment. At least one sensor is associated with eachtarget segment, the outer bull segment and the inner bull segment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofpreferred embodiment of the invention, will be better understood whenread in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings an embodimentwhich is presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that theinvention is not limited to the precise arrangements andinstrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an electronic dart game apparatus inincorporating a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the dart board apparatus ofthe electronic dart game apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a section view of the dart board apparatus shown in FIG. 2taken along lines 3--3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged rearward view of a portion of the dart boardapparatus shown in FIG. 2 taken along lines 4--4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a partial section view taken along lines 5--5 in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is an unassembled perspective view of a center portion of thedart board apparatus shown in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly and is not limiting. The words "right," "left," "lower" and "upper"designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Thewords "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to directions toward and awayfrom, respectively, the geometric center of the dart board apparatus anddesignated parts thereof. The terminology includes the words abovespecifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elementsthroughout, there is shown in FIGS. 1-6 a preferred embodiment of anelectronically scored dart game apparatus, generally indicated as 10.The dart game apparatus 10 is comprised of a generally elongated cabinet12. The upper portion of the cabinet 12 includes a generally outwardlyextending canopy or cover member 14 which, in addition to beingaesthetically pleasing, may include one or more lighting fixtures (notshown). The cabinet 12 has a front surface 16 which has a plurality ofpush buttons and lights, shown generally as 18, which are used forinteraction between the dart game apparatus 10 and game players. It isunderstood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the number ofbuttons and lights 18 may vary depending on the complexity of the gameand the number of selection options offered. The primary feature of thecabinet front surface 16 is an electronic dart board apparatus 20(hereinafter "dart board" 20).

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the dart board 20 is comprised of a housing22 which includes a front panel 24 and a back panel 26. The front panel24 includes a circular opening 28. A spider 30, which is described inmore detail below, is located in the opening 28 in the housing 22. Inthe preferred embodiment, the front and back panels 24 and 26 are squarein form and made from a high-density particle board. The back panel 26is removably attached to the front panel 24 by four fasteners (notshown). The construction of front and back panels 24 and 26 is known tothose of ordinary skill in the art, accordingly further description isnot required. In addition, it is similarly understood by those ofordinary skill in the art from the present disclosure that the front andback panels can be made of various other materials such as plastic andthe size and configuration may be varied or adapted to suit particularapplications.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, the spider 30 is shown in detail. The spider30 is generally circular in shape and has a series of circumferentiallyand radially extending ribs 32 and 34 respectively, which define aplurality of target segment openings 36. A circumferential center rib 38defines a center opening 40. Each rib 32, 34 and 38, generally includesa narrow portion 41 which terminates at a retaining shoulder 42 adjacentto the front surface of the spider 30. The top 44 of each rib 32, 34 and38 is tapered to a point. An annular flange 46 is located around theperiphery of the spider 30.

In the preferred embodiment, the spider 30 is molded as a unitaryassembly from a polymeric material and is approximately 151/2" indiameter with twenty radial ribs and five circumferential ribs includingthe circumferential center rib 38. The size and spacing of the ribs 32,34 and 38 are in a configuration of a regulation dart board. The spider30 is preferably injection molded. However, other manufacturing meanssuch as casting or machining can be employed if desired. Theconstruction of a basic spider is generally known to those of ordinaryskill in the art, accordingly further explanation is not required.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, a plurality of target segments 50 areslidably disposed in the target segment openings 36 of the spider 30.Each target segment 50 includes a target surface 52, having a pluralityof generally circular openings defined therein for receiving the tip ofa dart (not shown) in a manner which is generally well-known forelectronically-scored dart games. The target segments 50 further includesidewalls 54 having a recess 56 defined in a complementary position tothe shoulders 42 on the ribs 32, 34 and 38. Switch contact members 58extend from the sidewalls 54 in a manner which is generally well-knownfor electronically scored dart games.

Preferably, the target segments 50 are formed of a polymeric material byinjection molding. However, the form and manufacture of target segments50 is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, accordinglyfurther explanation is not required.

Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the circumferential center rib 38 has an innersidewall 39. At least two radially disposed lands 48 are located on theinner sidewall 39 of the circumferential center rib 38. A stop member 49is affixed in at least one position on the inner sidewall 39 of thecircumferential center rib 38 adjacent to the radially disposed lands48. Preferably, there are four (4) lands 48 spaced equally around theinner sidewall 39 of the circumferential center rib 38. Preferably, eachland 48 includes a stop member 49 in the form of a shoulder adjacent tothe land 48. However, it is understood by those skill in the art fromthe present disclosure that the size and shape of the lands 48 and thestop members 49 can be varied, if desired, for particular applications.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-6, an annular outer bull segment 60 isprovided. The annular outer bull segment 60 has a target surface 62 witha center opening 64 defined therethrough. The target surface 62 includesa plurality of generally circular openings 63 for receiving the tip of adart (not shown) in a manner which is generally known forelectronically-scored dart games. The outer bull segment 60 alsoincludes a generally tubular sidewall 66 with at least two slots 68therethrough. The outer bull segment side wall 66 has an outer diameterwhich is designed for a clearance fit with the circumferential centerrib 38. Preferably, four slots 68 are defined in the side wall 66 of theouter bull segment 60 and the slots 68 in the outer bull segment 60 arecircumferentially spaced apart approximately equally. An upper recess 67is formed along the top of the tubular side wall 66 in a complementaryposition to the shoulder 42 on the circumferential center rib 38.Grooves 65 are located on the sidewall 66 and extend from the ends ofthe slots 68 to the upper recess 67. The grooves 65 in the tubularsidewall 66 of the outer bull segment 60 are designed for a clearancefit around the stop members 49. Switch contact members 69 are attachedto the ends of the tubular side wall 66. The outer bull segment 60 isslidably disposed for movement within the circumferential center rib 38,and the radially disposed lands 48 located on the inner side wall 39 ofthe circumferential rib 38 are in an aligned position with the slots 68in the outer bull segment side wall 66. Preferably, the outer bullsegment 60 is circular in form and injection-molded from a polymericmaterial. However, it is understood by those of ordinary skill in theart from the present disclosure that the outer bull segment 60 can bemade of other suitable materials and be formed by other means such asmachining or a combination of molding and machining.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, the dart board 20 further includes aninner bull segment 70 slidably disposed in the center opening 64 in theouter bull segment 60. The outer diameter of the inner bull segment 70is smaller than the inner diameter of the center opening 64 in the outerbull 60 to provide a clearance fit for unrestricted movement of theinner bull segment 70 with respect to the outer bull segment 60. Theinner bull segment 70 includes a target surface 72 having a plurality ofgenerally circular openings 74 for receiving a tip of a dart (not shown)in a manner which is generally well-known for electronically scored dartgames. The inner bull segment 70 further includes at least two spokes76, and preferably four spokes 76, in an aligned position with the slots68 in the outer bull segment sidewall 66 and with the lands 48 on theinner side wall 39 of the circumferential center rib 38. Each spoke 76includes a first end 78 connected to the inner bull segment 70, and asecond end 80 in slidable contact with the circumferential center rib 38so that the inner bull segment 70 may slide independently of themovement of the outer bull segment 60. Complementary grooves 82 to thelands 48 are included on the second ends 80 of the spokes 76. Thegrooves 82 in the second ends 80 of the spokes 76 are sized to provide aclearance fit on the lands 48 on the inner wall 39 of thecircumferential rib 38 to provide for easy, slidable movement. The stopmembers 49 on the circumferential center rib 38 limit the motion of thecenter bull segment 70 in a first direction, i.e. out of the front ofthe dart board 20 but do not inhibit rearward movement of the inner bullsegment 70. Switch contact members 84 are provided on the back of theinner bull segment 70.

Preferably the inner bull segment 70 is injection-molded from apolymeric material. In the preferred embodiment, four (4) spokes 46 areconnected to the inner bull segment 70 and the spokes 76 arecircumferentially spaced apart approximately equally. However, it isunderstood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the presentdisclosure that the inner bull segment 70 may be made from various othermanufacturing processes such as machining or a combination of moldingand machining. Additionally, the number of spokes 76 can be varied, ifdesired, to suit particular applications. For example, three spokes orfive spokes 76 could be utilized with the inner bull segment 70 ifdesired. However, there must be at least two spokes 76 attached to theinner bull segment 70 so that the inner bull segment 70 is supported bythe circumferential rib 38 of the spider 30 for movement independentlyof the movement of the outer bull segment 60. Additionally, those ofordinary skill in the art will understand from the present disclosurethat the system of grooves 82 formed on the spokes 76 which are slidablydisposed over the lands 48 on the circumferential center rib 38 areoptional, and if used, their configuration can be varied to utilizevarious shapes. For example, lands (not shown) could be formed on thesecond ends 80 of the spokes 76 and complementary grooves (not shown)could be located on the inner wall 39 of the circumferential rib 38.Alternatively, the second ends 80 of the spokes 76 can be flat, and twocomplementary lands (not shown) can be located on the inner wall 39 ofthe circumferential rib 38 on either side of the second end 80 of eachspoke 76 or a complementary groove (not shown) could be located in theinner wall 39 of the circumferential center rib 38 for each spoke 76,depending on the length of the spoke 76. It is similarly understood thatthe system of lands 48 and grooves 82 may be used on fewer than all ofthe spokes 76.

Referring to FIG. 3, a switch membrane 90 and a rubber sheet 92 aresandwiched between the back panel 26 and the combination of the frontpanel 24 and the spider member 30. The rubber sheet 92 presses againstthe switch contact members 58, 69 and 84 of the target segments 50, theouter bull segment 60 and the inner bull segment 70 respectively, tobias the segments 50, 60 and 70 to a forwardmost initial, rest positionwith respect to the spider 30, with the recesses 56 and 67 on the targetsegments 50 and the outer bull segment 60 respectively, contacting theshoulders 42 on the radial and circumferential ribs 32, 34 and 38, andthe spokes 76 on the inner bull segment 70 contacting the stop members49.

The switch contact members 58, 69 and 84 on the target segments 50, theouter bull 60 and the inner bull 70 respectively, are aligned with atleast one sensor in the switch membrane 90. Preferably, the switchmembrane 90 includes two layers of polyester film (not shown) havingconductive silver ink circuits printed thereon in a manner which isgenerally known by those of ordinary skill in the art. A polyester filmspacer layer (not shown) having cutouts in complimentary positions tothe conductive silver ink circuits and the switch contact members 58, 69and 84 on the target segments 50, the outer bull segment 60 and theinner bull segment 70, is interposed between the two layers having theconductive silver circuits. This type of switch membrane 90 is generallyknown to those of ordinary skill in the art, accordingly furtherdescription is not required. However, it is understood by those ofordinary skill in the art from the present disclosure that the type ofswitch used to indicate a score is not considered limiting, and othertypes of switches can be used in conjunction with the present invention,such as spring biased switches or switches comprised of a silicone domewith a carbon contact located over printed circuit contacts.

Having provided a description of the structure of the dart board 20, abrief description of the operation of the dart board 20 follows,specifically with reference to the operation the outer bull segment 60and the inner bull segment 70.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the outer bull segment 60 and the inner bullsegment 70 are shown in the initial, rest position. When a player throwsa dart which hits the target surface 62 of the outer bull segment 60,the outer bull segment 60 moves rearwardly in the circumferential centerrib 38, with the grooves 65 in the tubular side wall 66 sliding alongthe outside of the stop members 49 to prevent rotation of the outer bullsegment 60. The outer bull segment 60 moves independently of and withoutmoving the inner bull 70. One or more switch contact members 69 on theouter bull segment 60 are pressed against the rubber sheet 92 andactivate the corresponding electrical contacts (now shown) on themembrane switch 90 to indicate a score. The rubber sheet 92 then returnsthe outer bull segment 60 to its initial, rest position with the recess67 contacting the shoulder 42 on the circumferential center rib 38.

When a player throws a dart which hits the inner bull segment targetsurface 72, the inner bull segment 70 slides rearwardly with the spokes76 sliding along the lands 48 on the circumferential center rib 38,independently of the outer bull segment 60. One or more switch contactmembers 84 on the inner bull segments 70 press against the rubber sheet92 and to activate the corresponding electrical contact (not shown) onthe membrane switch 90 to indicate a score. The rubber sheet 92 thenreturns the inner bull segments 70 to its initial, rest position withthe spoke 76 contacting the stop member 49.

Because the inner bull segment 70 slides along the lands 48 on thecircumferential rib 38 independent of the outer bull segment 60, thepossibility of having a misscore is reduced in comparison to the priorart devices where the inner bull segment is carried by the outer bullsegment.

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art thatchanges could be made to the embodiment described above withoutdeparting from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood,therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particularembodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications withinthe spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appendedclaims.

We claim:
 1. A dart board apparatus comprising:a housing; a spider beinggenerally circular in shape and having a series of circumferentially andradially extending ribs which define a plurality of target segmentopenings, and a circumferential center rib which defines a centeropening, located in the housing; a plurality of target segments slidablydisposed in the target segment openings; an annular outer bull segment,having a target surface with a center opening, and a generally tubularsidewall with a least two slots therethrough, the outer bull segmentbeing slidably disposed for movement within the circumferential centerrib; an inner bull segment slidably disposed within the center openingin the outer bull segment; the inner bull segment including at least twospokes, in an aligned position with the slots in the outer bull segmentsidewall, each spoke includes a first end connected to the inner bull,and a second end in slidable contact with the center rib so that theinner bull segment may slide independently of the movement of the outerbull segment; and at least one sensor associated with each targetsegment, the outer bull segment and the inner bull segment.
 2. Theapparatus of claim I wherein the circumferential center rib has an innersidewall, at least two radially disposed lands are located on the innersidewall of the circumferential center rib in an aligned position withthe slots in the outer bull segment sidewall, and complementary groovesto the radially disposed lands are included on the second ends of thespokes.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a stop memberaffixed in at least one position on the inner sidewall of thecircumferential center rib adjacent to the radially disposed lands whichlimits the motion of the inner bull segment in a first direction.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein four slots are defined in the sidewall ofthe outer bull segment and four spokes are connected to the inner bullsegment.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the slots in the outer bullsegment sidewall and the spokes are circumferentially spaced apartapproximately equally.